Lassa fever has claimed 70 lives across Nigeria in the first month of the year, with Taraba, Ondo, and Edo states recording the highest fatalities, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Since January, Nigeria has reported 1,552 suspected cases, with 358 confirmed infections and 70 deaths.
The latest NCDC situation report confirms that 10 states have recorded cases across 58 local government areas. The states with the highest death tolls include:
- Taraba – 18
- Ondo – 17
- Edo – 11
- Bauchi – 6
- Ebonyi – 6
- Gombe – 5
- Kogi – 4
- Nasarawa – 2
- Plateau – 1
✅ Maintain proper hygiene
✅ Prevent rat infestations in homes
✅ Seek medical attention for persistent fever
They also emphasize the urgent need for a Lassa fever vaccine to reduce the disease burden.
Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi account for 75% of all confirmed cases, with Ondo alone contributing 37%, followed by Edo (20%) and Bauchi (18%).
Between January 27 and February 2, Lassa fever led to 17 deaths, 68 confirmed infections, and 379 suspected cases across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Kogi, Gombe, and Ebonyi states. Three healthcare workers were among those affected.
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces. It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, attributed the rise in cases to improved surveillance, climate change, and environmental degradation. He warned that beyond its deadly effects, Lassa fever destroys livelihoods and plunges families into financial distress.
In response to the outbreak, the National Lassa Fever Incident Management System has been activated, with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) coordinating control measures. The NCDC has also expanded its testing laboratories from nine to 13 and distributed medical supplies nationwide to curb the spread.
Medical experts urge Nigerians to:With cases rising, Nigerians are advised to stay vigilant and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.
